New veteran van hits the roads

By Ellen Bacca

Published On: Nov 11 2013 03:37:02 PM CST

NEW BERN, CRAVEN COUNTY -

Wounded warriors and veterans are getting a big help with a free ride to and from VA medical facilities. This is possible with the veteran van. Veteran vans are used so often, they need to be replaced every four to five years.

Local DAV chapter member Arthur Cook says the free service is vital for veterans.

"We have some veterans that have no transportation whatsoever or who can't drive themselves like going to Durham. That's a long drive for them to make." says Cook.

This service transports 100 local veterans to clinics each week. 2nd Junior vice commander Brent Harrell with the DAV says the newest van to their fleet has only been on the road for two months, and already has 12,000 miles on it.

"It's a long way to Raleigh and back and they make that trip sometimes three to four times a week." says Harrell.

The DAV is currently looking for volunteer drivers. Right now, the local chapter has between 30 and 40, many of them are veterans themselves, something Harrell says they do with pride.

"The big tag line is 'fulfilling our promises' and part of that is being able to take care of those who took care of this country." says Harrell.

The local DAV chapter raised $14,000 to help buy the vehicle. The rest of the cost was covered nationally. The DAV got the $14,000 through fundraisers.

For more information click here, or contact Brent Harrell at 919-833-5567

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